AAP News Vol. 10 No. 10 October 1994, p. 2
© 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Immune gamma globulin and low birth weight

LAURIE LARSON

Contrary to past studies, immune gamma globulin (IgG) does not reduce risks for hospital-acquired infections among very-low-birth-weight infants, and might increase their risk for other conditions, according to a recent National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) report.

Some 2,416 infants, weighing between 501 and 1,500 grams, were enrolled in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network study. Infants who received IgG showed no reduction in hospital-acquired infections. Additionally, 12.5 percent of those treated with IgG developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a gangrene-like infection of the intestinal tract. Of the placebo group, 9.5 percent developed the condition.